Three Lawmakers Examine FFA China Ties

LINCOLN, Neb. (DTN) -- The U.S. House Ways and Means Committee's oversight subcommittee launched an investigation into what three federal lawmakers say is the National Future Farmers of America Organization's alleged ties to the Chinese Communist Party through a partnership with Chinese-owned Syngenta Group.

The subcommittee that has federal oversight of nonprofit groups requested documents and other information from FFA's CEO Scott Stump in a letter on Tuesday, giving the group until Feb. 17, 2026, to respond.

In 2022, Syngenta and the National FFA launched a partnership that includes a scholarship program, community giving and Syngenta support of agricultural education. Earlier that year, the organizations announced a partnership to develop and implement an equity, diversity and inclusion, or DEI, strategy for the FFA.

Syngenta Group is owned by Chinese state-owned Sinochem Holdings through its subsidiary ChemChina. ChemChina acquired Syngenta in 2017.

Those partnerships have drawn the attention of the House committee.

"The National FFA's relationship with Syngenta has unfortunately continued, even though states, along with the USDA, have recognized the concerns of engagement with CCP-owned companies," three representatives and FFA caucus members said in the letter to Stump.

The letter is signed by Rep. Jason Smith, R-Mo., chairman of Ways and Means; Rep. David Schweikert, R-Ariz., chairman of the oversight committee; and Rep. Tracey Mann, R-Kan., co-chairman and co-founder of the FFA caucus.

When contacted by DTN, FFA said it was cooperating with the committee.

"The National FFA Organization is a nonprofit, non-partisan organization that serves to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education," the group said in a statement.

"While FFA accepts support from generous donors and sponsors throughout the agricultural and agri-business community, it does not and cannot advocate the views for any donor or sponsor. FFA has received a congressional inquiry about one of our sponsors and it intends to cooperate fully. As this is an ongoing investigation, FFA will have no further comment."

Syngenta did not respond to DTN's request for comment.

"It is clear that the National FFA's purpose is to serve its student members and their respective chapters, rather than play identity politics and cozy up to Communist China," the subcommittee's letter stated. "However, the continuation of this relationship with Syngenta and promotion of DEI policies, such as prioritizing DEI in the National FFA's strategic plan and directing the organization's executives to push these initiatives, calls into question your commitment to the student members your organization intends to serve."

The lawmakers said Syngenta's "extensive ties" to the National FFA are "problematic" because of the "potential influence" the CCP may exert over the company through its ownership, and the corresponding influence that Syngenta may wield over the National FFA.

"The CCP has a well-documented history of 'economic espionage to steal biotechnology and agriculture-related intellectual property,' and the fact that the National FFA has provided one of their state-owned companies direct access to the future leaders of America's farming industry is alarming," the letter said.

In 2023, the state of Arkansas required Syngenta Seed LLC, a subsidiary of Syngenta Group, to divest from 160 acres of agricultural land in the state.

In July 2025, the Trump administration announced a new "National Farm Security Action Plan" to target China and other foreign adversaries, to push a ban on Chinese ownership of U.S. farmland as well as major agribusinesses, including Syngenta and Smithfield Foods.

On Dec. 6, 2025, President Donald Trump signed an executive order aimed at curbing anti-competitive behavior and foreign influence in agriculture, including the farm equipment, seed and fertilizer markets.

Read more on DTN:

"USDA Secretary Targets Chinese Ag Ties," https://www.dtnpf.com/…

Todd Neeley can be reached at todd.neeley@dtn.com

Follow him on social platform X @DTNeeley

(c) Copyright 2026 DTN, LLC. All rights reserved.